The show, Pearlman emphasizes, is a drama based on his book — not a documentary. He said he wasn’t involved much in its production beyond serving as a glorified verifier of “certain information” and an extra for a scene. “I’m always like, ‘It’s not my show,’” said Pearlman, 49. “It’s based on my book. It’s a big difference.” Pearlman devoted two years to the book. The first year and a half was spent on research and interviewing about 350 people. He used the final six months to write. The book was released in March 2014. Less than two months later, a man named Jim Hecht appeared at his family’s house in New Rochelle, N.Y., with an idea. Hecht grew up in Southern California a loyal Lakers fan. One of his first memories at age 6 was waiting two hours with his father at the Westminster Mall to take a photo with Magic Johnson. . The photo has been on his desk for a decade. He devoured Pearlman’s book in one day. He was convinced there was a TV show there.